Time for a challenge. Whenever we get too comfortable in life we are no longer growing – and I feel the need to push my photography skills forward – or maybe just to make more images in order to keep my eyes and perspective open. The guidelines of this self imposed journey are: one photo a week; no explanations or stories needed; black and white; shot only with my Nikon D800 and 28mm lens.

In 2010 I was laid off from a job that never really suited me. My boss, the CFO of the company, told me that he respectfully hoped I’d never get another office job again. Not because I hadn’t done my job well – but rather because he felt that I was built for more creative endeavors. He knew that my spirit was being squashed sitting for 8 hours a day in my cubicle, beneath fluorescent lights that gave me headaches.

I’d felt my own nudge from spirit – through prayer and meditation – to once again in my life – take the road less traveled. His words validated what I’d already been feeling. So a few months later I hit the road. With nothing more than a few dollars in my pocket, a belief that things always worked out and a sense of adventure, I spent several months exploring our country and teaching myself photography along the way.

I’d tucked most of those images away. Chalking them up to some of the [really bad] 10,000 photos one is supposed to make before even thinking that they have any idea about this craft. Lately I’ve been peeking through a few and thought I’d start sharing them. Not because they are spectacular shots – but because they are a part of my journey.

So here I give you a scene from Sandusky, Ohio in 2010. I love old buildings. Their layers of color, texture, cracked and peeling paint … remind me of my favorite types of people. Messy on the exterior but filled with stories, character and depth.